In the Field with Young Professional, Casey Boerger
Having open conversations about food and farming with South Dakotans and the farmers who grow it is what we do. In fact, that’s what Hungry for Truth is all about. We had an exciting opportunity to connect Casey Boerger, Young Professionals Network Manager at Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, with Brent Greenway, a farmer from Mitchell, S.D., to chat about sustainability, crops, and what a day on the farm looks like during harvest season. Below, Casey is sharing her perspective on her recent South Dakota farm visit.
From growing up on a dairy farm to moving to the city, you could say I appreciate any opportunity to reconnect with my roots in agriculture. So, when I was reached out to about the Hungry for Truth Ambassador Program, I couldn’t turn it down. I was fortunate enough to head west on I-90 to spend the day with Brent Greenway, a local farmer, in Mitchell, SD.
Brent is a fourth-generation farmer of the Greenway Operations – dating back to 1931 when his great-grandparents moved to America from England. He, his wife Mollie, and their dog Copper recently became the 3rd generation of Greenways to own the original farmstead and will be the 4th generation to live there after some renovating is complete.
Harvest was just kicking off as we arrived to meet with Brent for the day. However, first things first, we got well acquainted with a couple of their farm hands, Ruby and Copper. 😊 (see picture below)
Casey with Ruby and Copper
We loaded up into the gator and got the day started. We started with the cattle side of the operation. Right away, it was clear that sustainable practices are prevalent in the Greenway family operation. The advanced technology behind modern-day farming means that almost nothing goes to waste. Brent loaded and mixed the silage, and we fed the cattle.
Brent feeding the cattle
Next up, it was time to jump in the combine and learn more about soybean production. The Greenways are harvesting around 1,100 acres of soybeans this season. After taking a closer look into soybean production, you soon find out this isn’t your average bean. In today’s world, most people are several generations removed from the family farm, and everyday uses for byproducts of modern agriculture are often forgotten. From cosmetics all the way to animal feed, soybeans may seem small, but their imprint on our society is huge.
Brent holding soybeans in his hand (left). Casey with Brent and his dad, Brad (right).
Did I mention that sustainable practices are huge at the Greenway Operation? From growing soybeans, grinding soybeans into meal for their pig crop, and using the pig manure as fertilizer for next year’s crop; every practice has a purpose and benefits another element of the farm.
Speaking of pigs…
Casey petting a piglet (left). Brent looking at paperwork (right).
Brent feeding the piglets
Brent and his parents have multiple confinement barns as a part of their operation. To give you a little background, Brent grew up on this operation but went on to get his degree in Ag Engineering. His degree eventually led him back to farming, where it is put to good use. His face lit up each time he began discussing the advanced technology that they have invested in. Multiple systems have been put in place to ensure that their livestock are cared for in the best way possible.
Food supply and agriculture, in general, are often put on the back burner for those that are removed from it. Farmers like Brent are important in today’s society. Brent, his wife, and his parents are dedicated to educating and giving back to their communities in any way that they can. I had the best day being on the farm and learning a new side of farming, and I am thankful for the opportunity. As I always say, remember to thank a farmer!
To learn more about Casey, connect with her via:
Instagram: @caseyjoboerger
Facebook: Casey Boerger
